What kind of MRI is needed to diagnose chiari?

[oliviamarie12345]

I had an MRI of the brain 1 year ago and it was normal. I have heard though that an MRI of the skull is needed because the shows if the brain goes into the spinal cord. Is this true? Is an MRI of the brain good enough, or do I need an MRI of the skull? also, would an MRI of the cervical spine show if the brain goes into the cerbellum?

[selmaS]

  U will do better to add to ur current thread as opposed to adding to these older ones.....

  The MRI's r the best that I am aware of for dx'ing chiari....as the CINE  MRI is for  CSF flow studies. I am sure u can find others with a diff opinion...and even drs with diff opinions....I feel the PET scan is used more for detecting cancers.

How is a PET scan different from a CT or MRI scan?
One of the main differences between PET scans and other imaging tests like CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is that the PET scan reveals the cellular level metabolic changes occurring in an organ or tissue. This is important and unique because disease processes often begin with functional changes at the cellular level. A PET scan can often detect these very early changes whereas a CT or MRI detect changes a little later as the disease begins to cause changes in the structure of organs or tissues.

[airy88]

I hurt a PET Scan is better then MRI

[youngwife]

Hi!

Lots of neurosurgeons are aware of Chiari, as well as treat patients with it.  The problem is that they only treat a few patients, so they don't see all of the variations that can occur with Chiari.

Also, not *ALL* brain MRI's are alike.  Some are very fuzzy, some are not extensive enough, and some are just plain the wrong slices.  So, you really do need to find someone who knows their stuff when it comes to Chiari and the conditions related to it.

I would suggest that you have a Chiari specialist review your film to confirm that you indeed do not have a skull, cervical, or brain issue going on.  There must be an explanation for your symptoms, especially if they are similar to Chiari symptoms.

Doing tons of research and asking questions will help you be better informed.  Make sure you do your homework first, and find a good doc.

If I can help in any way, please let me know,
Rebecca

[oliviamarie12345]

thank you

[selmaS]

That is great that u were able to get an informed dr and u know where ur issues lie......I was told my issues were not chiari related by the 1st NS I saw and he did not do ne other testing....he said it was all in my cervical spine and it was stinosis.....I went and insisted on other testing and found I also have tethered cord....which explains other issues I have had.

I pray all goes well with ur next MRI.
"selma"

[oliviamarie12345]

all my symptoms are from the cervical spine though

[oliviamarie12345]

yes i have an NS who knows about the disorder, dr. lis-pleanus from the michigan brain and spine institute

i have not had thoracic or lumbar MRI

[selmaS]

Ok.....it doesn't matter how many drs look at ur MRI's or if they r a NS....only if they r a chiari specialist....bcuz most do not have the training or newer veiws on chiari and it's treatment.

I asked about the thoracic and lumbar MRI's but forgot to type MRI...have u had those done also?

Symptoms and CSF blockage is very important.......

May I ask where do u live?......do u have a chiari dr?

"selma"

[oliviamarie12345]

i have had many docs look at my brain MRI including a NS

they are reduing the MRI of the cervical spine

yes if the cerebellum goes into the spinal cord

thank you

and SSEP was abnormal

[selmaS]

Hi...chiari should show up on a brain MRI or a cervical spine MRI....it is better w/wo contrast.

It is possible that the radiologist does not consider a chiari to be chiari depending on herniation size and may omitt it.....unless that is what he was told to look for and then he may say the findings were incidential.They also use the terms low lying tonsils....but it still means chiari.Also overcrowded cerebellum can also be considered chiari.

If u have ur report from ur previous MRI's re examine them for everything on them.
Always get copiues of ur MRI's and the reports it is easier to get a 2nd opinion.

As to ur questions....MRI of the brain is also considered part of the skull.....not sure what u mean.
...would an MRI of the cervical spine show if the brain goes into the cerebellum?.....do u mean if the cerebellum goes into the spinal cord?

Were u dx'd with chiari?
Did they also do ur thoracic and lumbar to rule out a syrinx and tethered cord?

"selma"